Protecting what matters most, every step of the way.
Established in 1938, Thistle Insurance Services has a wealth of experience and expertise in niche and specialist insurance sectors, developing and offering products for leisure and lifestyle, commercial, professional risks and wholesale markets. Working with sole traders, retailers, wholesalers, contractors, manufacturers, charities and niche trade areas, we also deliver to consumers, SMEs and not-for-profit organisations while partnering directly and through partners, associations, brokers and affinity groups. Whatever your hobby or profession, our products have been designed to meet the needs of customers wishing to purchase flexible, tailor-made insurance policies.
Our Products
Our products are designed to cater to specific needs, whether it's leisure and lifestyle, commercial, professional risks or wholesale markets. Our Guardcover suite of products is a testament to our commitment to providing tailor-made insurance policies that meet the needs of our customers. From cycleGuard to musicGuard, petGuard to photoGuard, Tourer Select to Unoccupied Property insurance, we have a product that suits your lifestyle or profession.
Leisure and Lifestyle
Our Guardcover suite of products has been providing specific insurance within the leisure and lifestyle sectors for over 20 years, ranging from pet care, music, cycling and photography. Built on a reputation of understanding the needs of our customers, Guardcover aims to deliver great service to provide support through the insurance journey.
Commercial and Professional Risks
Our Unoccupied Property insurance product has been part of the Thistle Insurance Services portfolio for over 20 years, catering for most types of property whether it's a private house or flat, small commercial property or just land that needs to be insured. If a property you're responsible for is left unoccupied for more than 30 days, whether it's a gap in tenancy, being renovated, in probate or intestate, or even going through the conveyancing process, it's likely that cover will be restricted on a standard home insurance policy.
Thistle Tenant Risks
Thistle Tenant Risks provides affordable home contents insurance for tenants living in registered social landlord and local authority properties. We work with over 700 Local Authorities and Housing Associations and also manage the 'My Home' and 'Crystal Insurance Scheme' brands in Wales and Scotland.
Who are PIB Group?
Thistle Insurance Services was acquired by PIB Group in December 2016. A diverse company, PIB operates as a broker serving SME clients and a range of affinity schemes. It distributes an assortment of online niche products and operates as a Managing General Agent offering insurance solutions to over 1,000 UK brokers.
Poor Customer Experiences
Many customers have had negative experiences with Thistle Insurance. Some have reported being rejected due to past convictions, despite being unrelated to insurance fraud. Others have been left feeling let down and abandoned in their time of need, with the company refusing to pay out claims or providing inadequate support.
Unpaid Claims and Poor Communication
Some customers have reported difficulties in getting claims processed, with long waiting times and unresponsive customer service. In one case, a customer was told that their claim would not be paid out after being victim to an arson attack, despite having paid premiums for months.
Unpractical Requirements
One customer was told that they must keep their bike inside their flat, which was impractical due to living on the 2nd floor. This raised concerns about the company's requirements for policyholders.
Positive Experiences
On the other hand, a few customers have reported positive experiences with Thistle Insurance, citing quick and easy claims processing and professional communication.
